Plans for the bicentennial of Otley Show are well underway with organisers hoping to take visitors back in time to commemorate the show's history.

And the show's organisers at the Wharfedale Agricultural Society are pulling out all stops in a bid to make the milestone event the biggest and best ever.

Otley Show was first held in 1796, but a number of cancellations, including during the war years, make 2009 the 200th event.

One of the highlights promises to be a special marquee dedicated to the history of the show. The display will chart the 200-year history of the show in four distinct periods.

The idea is the brainchild of show president Mervyn Lister and will hopefully see visitors dressing up in the different fashions from over the show's history. Mr Lister said: "The 200th Otley Show is destined to be the most memorable in our long and proud history.

"As a traditional regional agricultural show, our emphasis must be focused on livestock classes.

"However, we always try to organise different events and activities that will appeal to every sector of the community. Otley Show remains an agricultural event for all the family – and the Bicentenary will be something very, very special."

Show secretary Janet Raw added that the face of Yorkshire's agricultural past would be seen in the main ring too.

"We are going to have a parade in the main ring of various animals and implements from those eras and we are hoping people will dress up for the occasion. We will also have an exhibition of different breeds to that which we normally have. We have been planning this for two years"

The nostalgia-themed displays will not be the only new attractions.

The Yorkshire Volunteers Marching Military Band will perform at the event, in addition to the Otley Brass Band.

Plans for an educational and humorous live sheep show about various breeds and wool are underway and a grand parade of heavy horses will also feature.

More light-hearted entertainment will feature in the form of the Knights of the Damned Jousting Stunt Team.

There will also be an increased emphasis on providing hands-on educational activities for younger visit-ors.

The show will culminate in a grand parade of champions and a fireworks display, while a Bicentenary Ball is also planned later in the year.

The Otley Show attracts on average 15,000 visitors a year and remains one of the most successful and well attended events in the town's calendar.

It continues to support the region's farming and agricultural communities, as well as providing a major boost to the local economy.

The 2009 show is to be staged on Saturday, May 16 at the Bridge End show ground on the banks of the River Wharfe.

Around 1,000 exhibitors regularly submit up to 4,000 entries in the show classes and a record entry is anticipated for the Bicentenary.

A show spokesman added that major sponsorship opportunities are also being made available to both existing and potential new backers.